Orlando Cruz Says No Offense Meant By "Leaked Photo"

By Miguel Rivera

Puerto Rican boxer Orlando Cruz has denied that he tried to cause controversy by leaking a photo which displayed his ring attire for Saturday's fight with Orlando Salido at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. The fight, which is part of the Bradley-Marquez HBO Pay-Per-View, will have the vacant world featherweight belt of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) at stake.

On Wednesday, a photo hit the internet which displayed his ring outfit. The outfit displays the flag of Puerto Rico, mixed in with the colors of the rainbow - a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) pride. Earlier this year, Cruz made headlines by becoming the first openly gay boxer.

Puerto Rican fans reacted in a hostile manner when they saw the ring attire.

"I did not participate in any misconduct nor have I denied my homeland. If anyone is offended, I apologize. I'm not doing to neglect Puerto Rico and my flag. I never thought this would cause a stir and discomfort in Puerto Rico. I did not put that photo [on the internet]. I do not know how that picture came to the social networks. I feel calm, because I have Puerto Rico in my heart. I'm Puerto Rican, and I will fight on the 12th with my flag held high for my country," Cruz told Carlos Narvaez.

I dont see the problem with it. Dudes a warrior who still has his country at heart. We see way gayer looking ricans fighting anyway no one complains lol. If no one mnew he was gay they wouldnt even care…